Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe says three people perished in an apartment fire in North Hamilton this morning: one adult and two children.
Chief Cunliffe says that, at approximately 10:16 a.m., fire department 9-1-1 dispatchers received reports that people were trapped inside the apartment.
Sadly, “firefighters tried to get into the apartment” but “were forced back” due to the intensity of the fire.
Chief Cunliffe says three people perished in the fire: one adult and two children.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families,” Chief Cunliffe stated.
Hamilton Fire began receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls around 10:16 a.m. this morning.
Immediately, fire units were dispatched, including three units based at Station 1 at 43 John Street North, only two kilometres away.
They arrived at the Marina Towers at 35 Brock Street / 600 John Street North within minutes.
Chief Cunliffe says when they first arrived, the fire was “fully involved, very intense,” “we had fire blow-torching out of the fire apartment into the hallway.”
A multiple-alarm fire was declared, and city-wide emergency service response plans were activated.
Hamilton Paramedic and Hamilton Police were dispatched to assist in evacuating and treating residents.
Hamilton’s public transit department provided two buses that paramedics used to triage residents.
Eight people were taken to hospital, two people refused transport, and many people were treated for smoke inhalation on scene.
At approximately 11:10 a.m.1, Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen was assisting family members of the deceased, who were escorted from the scene to an awaiting van.
Fire Cause Unknown, Fire Marshall Investigating
Chief Cunliffe says they are investigating to determine how the fire started and why it reached such a severe intensity.
“Given the nature of the fire and the fatalities, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has been notified.”
“I have been in contact with the Ontario Fire Marshal John Peg.”
Chief Cunliffe says he was in the apartment unit.
“It is gutted. There was heavy fire involvement and heavy fire damage. It’s significant damage.”
Hamilton Police are also investigating, as is standard practice for any significant fire.
Emergency Services Peer Supports Activated to Assist First Responders
Emergency services personnel were emotionally impacted by what they saw at the scene.
Chief Cunliffe says, “We have activated our peer support teams.”
All personnel are being assisted as they return to their stations, including the 9-1-1 dispatchers.
“We had over 60 firefighters on scene during the height of the fire. We also had a number of paramedic units right up through the deputy chief of the paramedics, who was coordinating with us at the command post. Hamilton police were on scene.”
Significant Fire and Smoke Damage in Hallway: Red Cross Assisting Displaced
Chief Cunliffe says the hallway of the apartment building has extensive damage, and residents of the units on the floor cannot return to their units.
The Red Cross is assisting with emergency shelter arrangements.
Efforts are underway to restore elevator service in the apartment building. Fire and emergency crews are assisting residents of the upper floors.
Statements from City Councillor and Mayor
Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch wrote, “This is devastating for the community, the families of those who perished in the fire, neighbours, and the fire fighters who engaged in rescue efforts. The Red Cross is assisting those most impacted. My office will be available to any who need our help.”
Mayor Andrea Horwath wrote, “Absolutely devastating news – three lives tragically lost in a morning fire at 35 Brock St, including two children. My heart goes out to the victims’ families & all impacted. Grateful for the bravery of our first responders & community support. We will be there for all affected.”
Production Details
v. 1.1.0
Published: January 26, 2025
Last updated: January 26, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version
v. 1.1.0 updated to correct details, see footnotes below.
- The original version of this story stated 10:50 a.m., on reviewing photos taken at the scene, this occurred at 11:12 a.m. ↩︎